Moroccan Clubs Struggle to Secure Stadiums Ahead of New Football Season
As the new football season approaches, set to kick off with a highly anticipated "Classico" match between Raja Casablanca and Royal Army, numerous clubs in the Moroccan top division are grappling with significant challenges in securing stadiums for their upcoming matches. Reports indicate that clubs such as Hassania Agadir, Kawkab Marrakech, Ittihad Tangier, and FUS Rabat are facing difficulties in finding suitable venues due to ongoing renovations at major stadiums across the country, including those in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fes. Compounding the issue, authorities in the capital have denied the Royal Army the use of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which fans argue is the team's rightful home ground, citing concerns over safety and potential unrest similar to incidents from the previous season.
Furthermore, the National Professional Football League is also encountering hurdles in securing venues for matches involving teams from cities that will host World Cup games in 2030. The Moroccan bid organizers wish to close these stadiums for repairs and preparations needed to ensure they meet international standards by the end of 2028. As of now, both the Royal Army and Raja Casablanca have yet to finalize the location for their opening league match, with the authorities resisting permissions for the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, even without the presence of Raja supporters due to concerns over violent outbreaks.
As the situation develops, it appears that many national clubs will struggle to find adequate stadiums for their games during the new season, particularly as sports complexes in major cities remain closed. In response to these challenges, the Moroccan Football Federation and the National Professional Football League are collaborating with relevant authorities to facilitate the use of alternative stadiums for first-division teams until their main venues are ready, ideally one year before the World Cup. The deadlines for the rehabilitation of the stadiums in Marrakech, Fes, and Agadir have been set for late 2028 at the latest.
In addition to frustrations over the unavailability of their traditional grounds, clubs are also expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity regarding their match schedules for the upcoming national league, with only a week left before the competition begins. The League is expected to announce the schedules for the first five rounds of the professional league in the coming days, as promised by Abdel Salam Belqashour in his latest media statements.
As reported by alakhbar.press.ma.
